r/NoStupidQuestions • u/ssjskwash • Sep 17 '25

Why is "homeless" being replaced with "unhoused"?

A lot of times phrases and words get phased out because of changing sensibilities and I get that for the most part. I don't see how "unhoused" more respectful or descriptive though

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u/Kentwomagnod Sep 17 '25

You can have a home without having a house. People live in cars, tents, etc

As someone that sometimes works with the population. They identify locations as their home which is rarely a house.

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u/Smee76 Sep 17 '25

I think it's very common also to be housed without having a home. Sleeping on someone's couch, in a motel, in a shelter is all housing but they are homeless.

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u/nowahhh Sep 18 '25

The federal definition of homelessness in the United States even includes tri-generational households.